Boston is one of the most historic cities in the United States and one of the most popular destinations in the country. This city in the heart of Massachusetts has an endless list of family-friendly things to do in Boston, historical places to visit, and parks. A few of the attractions in Boston are free for everyone to enjoy without having to spend a lot of money. So if you’re wondering what to do for free in Boston, don’t worry, I listed 8 of the most fun free things to do in the city.
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8 Fun Free Things to Do in Boston
1. Freedom Trail
It is a red stripe of paint or bricks that goes across the city. The Freedom trail of Boston takes you along a few of the most important historic sites of the city. There are guided tours being offered. They are great, but going on your own allows you to go at your own pace and hop on and off as you wish.
2. Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall
These two historic buildings are part of the modern Faneuil Hall Market Place. Quincy’s Market is a beautiful structure where food has been sold since 1826. On the other side, Faneuil Hall has been a place where tons of meetings have taken place. It is often referred to as #the Cradle of Liberty”.
3. Visit Harvard and MIT
These two are among the best universities in the country. They have also played a very important role in the country’s history. You don’t need to pay a cent to stroll around the historic buildings of Harvard or to explore the infinite corridor of MIT.
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4. Boston Parks
The Commons and Public Bardens of Boston are a cool places for families to visit. They offer a safe environment for an outdoors adventure. There are over 2,200 acres of land that are available for exploring.
5. Haymarket
It isn’t only free to visit it, but the product you can find here is extremely cheap! This open-air Hay market in Boston has been there every Friday and Saturday since 1830 offering all sorts of fresh food.
6. Climb to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument
The monument stands 221 feet tall and marks the site of the first major battle of the American Revolution. There are no elevators here, so if you want to get to the top, you will have to climb 294 to be able to enjoy the gorgeous views.
7. JFK Trail
It consists of a series of places to explore Boston that used to be frequented by President John F. Kennedy. You can pay for a tour of it, but you can also find the map on the internet and do it on your own for free.
8. Tour of the USS Constitution
It is the oldest commissioned warship in the world. it started to serve as a museum in 1907 after being restored. The mission of the USS Constitution museum is to promote understanding of the Navy’s role in war and peace.
I’m sure that once you are there, you will be able to find more things to do that your whole family can do for free. There are also many attractions in Boston that are really cheap, like heading to Samuel Adams and doing a tour, it’s one of the most iconic breweries in the United States.
Recommended Read: Fun Things To Do In Boston
Free Things to Do in Boston – 8 Attractions
I loved exploring Boston a few summers ago. Also free is the Sam Adams brewery tour – you’d just have to pay to take the T out to Jamaica Plain.
Hey Catherine,
I didn’t realize Sam Adams was free. We didn’t have time to go, I really wanted to, but I did think it was a $5 fee. Not a lot.
Hi Marina,
Great list! I agree you’ll be sure to find something fun and free to do once you’re in Boston even if it wasn’t on your list like watching street performers at Faneuil Hall or catching a free event or concert at the Hatch Shell or Boston Common! There’s always something affordable happening in Boston! 🙂
Hey Kate,
Yes we saw some amazing street performers. I didn’t know about the free concerts. Thanks for letting me know about them.
I would love to walk the Freedom Trail. That sounds like something I need to add to my bucket list.
I’ve always wanted to visit Boston, but haven’t made it yet. I now have a great place to start when I go!
What fantastic tips – and FREE! I need to head to Boston!
Yay to my city for having so much great free stuff! 🙂
I like strolling in the Fens near Fenway Park 🙂
What a great list. Freebie heaven, from the looks of it.
I love Boston – even more so now! Thank you for these fabulous Free suggestions!
I love Boston too much.Really nice city.By the way,thanks for your great tips.
Marina, you had me at the suggestion to just walk around Harvard’s grounds. I’ve seen Harvard depicted on TV and in movies so many times that I think it would be wonderful just to walk explore the campus. Such a great idea!
Great recommendations:) Always good tips from you!